The ability to sync Palm-based devices with
Linux has existed for quite a while. However, as the popularity of
Windows-based Pocket PCs increases, there’s a growing need to be
able to sync data from a computer running Linux with the Pocket
PC–without using Windows.

The SynCE Project is working on exactly that.
It works with Linux, FreeBSD, and similar operating systems.

While the project is still somewhat in its
infancy, a number of add-ons and tools exist that work with popular
desktops, such as GNOME and KDE. In addition, several plug-ins are
available that work with programs such as Evolution. However, it’s
unlikely that many distributions bundle SynCE, so you may need to
do some compiling.

You can download SynCE from the SynCE Project’s Web
site. This Web site also sports a number of documents and
tutorials to help walk you through the compile stage. In addition,
you can download packages specifically for Red Hat, Fedora, or
Debian, or you can build it using emerge on Gentoo.

Another useful tool is MultiSync, which
synchronizes PIM data between GNOME-based systems and a Pocket PC.
While MultiSync can handle other devices such as the Sharp Zaurus,
Palm, and others, it also works with the Pocket PC, provided you
use the SynCE plug-in for MultiSync. This program handles the
synchronization between Evolution and the Pocket PC, allowing you
to synchronize calendars, to-do lists, and contacts.

If you’re a KDE user, you can use the
KitchenSync tool to synchronize KDE PIM information with your
Pocket PC, using the SynCE libraries to handle the connection.

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